Chatbot intervention to help adolescents with digital addictions
Developing and Evaluating a Low-intensity Secondary Theory-based Chatbot Intervention to Reduce Common Digital Addictions, Sedentary Behaviors and Mental Distress Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if a chatbot can help teenagers aged 10-19 reduce their gaming and social media addiction better than just receiving information about these issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 330 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06821373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a chatbot-assisted intervention designed to reduce Internet gaming disorder and social media addiction among adolescents aged 10-19. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives the chatbot support, or a psycho-educational control group. The study will evaluate primary outcomes related to digital addiction and secondary outcomes such as sedentary behavior and mental distress through questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment, and a 3-month follow-up. The goal is to determine if the chatbot can significantly improve the participants' conditions compared to the control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Chinese-speaking adolescents aged 10-19 who exhibit signs of Internet gaming disorder or social media addiction and use smartphones or the Internet daily.
Not a fit: Patients currently using psychotropic medication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide adolescents with effective tools to manage and reduce their digital addictions, leading to improved mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for addiction management, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Students at grades 5-6 in primary schools or grades 7-12 in secondary schools, * Positive screening results of IGD and/or SMA) based on the validated screening tools * Using smartphone or Internet on a daily base, 4) students' and parental consent, * Chinese speaking. Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of any psychotropic medication.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xue Yang, Doctoral — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Xue Yang, Doctoral
- Email: sherryxueyang@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +85256237005
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.